Timothée Chalamet’s Bold Marty Supreme Campaign Sparks Debate

Timothée Chalamet’s latest film, Marty Supreme, has become a hot topic—not just for its critical acclaim, but for the actor ’s wild and unpredictable promotional tactics. Chalamet’s press tour has blurred the line between humor and awkwardness, leaving audiences divided. Addressing the controversy, Chalamet explained that his marketing style was a deliberate reflection of the movie ’s essence.

This is in the spirit of Marty, and I feel like this is ultimately an original film at a time when original movies aren’t really put out. It ’s a movie about the pursuit of a dream. I’m leaving it on the field. Whether it’s the merch or the Zoom or the media appearances, I’m trying to get this out in the biggest way possible. In the spirit of Marty Mauser.

Unorthodox Press Tour and Viral Moments

Despite opening alongside major blockbusters like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash , Chalamet’s offbeat press tour has helped Marty Supreme stand out. One of the most talked-about moments was an 18-minute Zoom call where Chalamet pitched the idea of centering the film’s marketing around the color orange, drawing a playful comparison to Barbie ’s pink-themed campaign. He even joked about painting the Statue of Liberty orange and filling the sky with orange, all in an effort to make the movie unforgettable.

Elsewhere, Chalamet faced criticism for his confident—some say cocky—remarks about the film’s awards potential.

I want the movie to succeed. I want everything to win. The real truth is that ‘Marty Supreme,’ I feel confident to the degree that by next summer … I’m confident I know what it’s gonna be by next summer.

While it’s clear he was playing up the role of a self-absorbed A-lister, not everyone appreciated the act, especially given the film’s high-profile status.

Box Office Milestones and Critical Buzz

Despite the mixed reactions, Chalamet’s bold strategy appears to be working. Before its nationwide release, Marty Supreme achieved the top limited opening of the year, selling out all 92 screenings in New York and Los Angeles. The film pulled in $875,000 from just six screens, marking one of the highest per-screen averages since La La Land. Critics have also responded positively, with the movie holding a 95% fresh rating on the Tomatometer.

With Chalamet’s star power and the film’s strong box office start, Marty Supreme is poised for commercial success and could even become a serious contender during awards season. The actor’s unconventional marketing gamble seems to be paying off, drawing both attention and ticket sales.

Marty Supreme opens nationwide on December 25, 2025.